A time to celebrate: Owens seeks to make festivals truly special

4:20 PM,
Nov. 22, 2012

Deb Owens enjoys of the challenge of making Battle Creek's festivals special events.

Written by

Lacy Janousek
For the Enquirer

The "festival queen" didn't come from a childhood of wealth. She came from a family that was rich in community involvement and volunteering, a trait that has stayed with Deborah Owens her entire life.

Owens, 63, is known by many community members as "the festival queen" based on her role at the Battle Creek Community Foundation as festival manager. Each year, Owens creates new memories for families through Summer Fest, Cereal City Festival and the International Festival of Lights.

The International Festival of Lights begins today and has allowed Owens to remember all that lead to her ...